WARNING: EXISTING IN-PLACE RESILIENT FLOOR COVERING

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS3/8 & 1/2 (10 mm and 13 mm)ENGINEERED PRODUCTSFOR STAPLE-DOWN, MECHANICALLY FASTENED,FLOATING AND GLUE-DOWN APPLICATIONSDo not staple down products that exceed 6 inwidth or Pecan, Maple or Hickory ProductsINSTRUCTIONS D’INSTALLATION10 mm et 13 mm(3/8 po et 1/2 po)PRODUITS DE REVÊTEMENT DESOL S’INGÉNIERIEINSTRUCCIONES DE INSTALACIÓN3/8 y 1/2 (10 mm y 13 mm)PRODUCTOS PROCESADOSPARA APLICACIONES GRAPADAS, DE SUJECIÓNMECANIZADA, FLOTANTES O CON PEGAMENTOPOUR LES APPLICATIONS FIXÉES MÉCANIQUEMENT OUÀ L’AIDE D’AGRAFES, COLLÉES ET FLOTTANTESN’agrafez pas les produits dépassant 13 cm (6 po) de largeur ou lesproduits en bois de pacane, érable ou hickoryNo fije con grapas los productos que exceden 6 (13cm) de ancho ni losproductos Pecan, Maple o HickoryADHÉSIFS RECOMMANDÉS : Adhésif pour revêtement de sol ProConnectMC, Adhésif àbase d’uréthane Equalizer, SummitMCDISSOLVANT D’ADHÉSIF RECOMMANDÉ : Essence minérale à sfaible odeurPRODUIT NETTOYANT RECOMMANDÉ : Nettoyant pour revêtements de sol en boisdur et stratifiés BruceSOUS-COUCHE RECOMMANDÉE (installation de plancher flottant uniquement) :Quiet Comfort Qualité supérieure ou Quiet ComfortCOLLE À BOIS RECOMMANDÉE (installation de plancher flottant et encollage desjoints) : Adhésif EverSealMCADHESIVOS RECOMENDADOS: Adhesivo de revestimiento para piso ProConnect ,adhesivo de uretano Equalizer, Summit REMOVEDOR DE ADHESIVO RECOMENDADO: Alcoholes minerales con poco olorLIMPIADOR RECOMENDADO: Limpiador para pisos de madera dura o laminadosde BruceBASE DE PISO RECOMENDADA (Sistema de instalación flotante solamente): QuietComfort de primera calidad o Quiet ComfortPEGAMENTO PARA MADERA RECOMENDADO (Instalación flotante y encolado dejunta): Adhesivo EverSeal N’agrafez pas les produits dépassant 6 po de largeur ou les produits enbois de pacane, érable, NorthshoreMD ou hickoryNo fije con grapas los productos que exceden 6 de ancho ni los productosPecan, Maple, Northshore o HickoryADHÉSIFS RECOMMANDÉS : Adhésif pour revêtement de sol ProConnectMC, Adhésif àbase d’uréthane Equalizer, SummitMCDISSOLVANT D’ADHÉSIF RECOMMANDÉ : Essence minérale à sfaible odeurPRODUIT NETTOYANT RECOMMANDÉ : Nettoyant pour revêtements de sol en boisdur et stratifiés BruceSOUS-COUCHE RECOMMANDÉE (installation de plancher flottant uniquement) :Quiet Comfort Qualité supérieure ou Quiet ComfortCOLLE À BOIS RECOMMANDÉE (installation de plancher flottant et encollage desjoints) : Adhésif EverSealMCADHESIVOS RECOMENDADOS: Adhesivo de revestimiento para piso ProConnect ,adhesivo de uretano Equalizer, Summit REMOVEDOR DE ADHESIVO RECOMENDADO: Alcoholes minerales con poco olorLIMPIADOR RECOMENDADO: Limpiador para pisos de madera dura o laminadosde BruceBASE DE PISO RECOMENDADA (Sistema de instalación flotante solamente): QuietComfort de primera calidad o Quiet ComfortPEGAMENTO PARA MADERA RECOMENDADO (Instalación flotante y encolado dejunta): Adhesivo EverSeal N’agrafez pas les produits dépassant 6 po de largeur ou les produits enbois de pacane, érable ou hickoryNo fije con grapas los productos que exceden 6 de ancho ni los productosPecan, Maple o HickoryRECOMMENDED ADHESIVES: ProConnect Flooring Adhesive, EqualizerUrethane Adhesive, Summit RECOMMENDED ADHESIVE REMOVER: Low Odor mineral spiritsRECOMMENDED CLEANER: Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner orBruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor CleanerRECOMMENDED UNDERLAYMENT (Floating installation system only): QuietComfort Premium or Quiet ComfortRECOMMENDED WOOD GLUE (Floating installation and joint gluing):EverSeal AdhesiveADHÉSIFS RECOMMANDÉS : Adhésif pour revêtement de sol ProConnectMC, Adhésif àbase d’uréthane Equalizer, SummitMCDISSOLVANT D’ADHÉSIF RECOMMANDÉ : Essence minérale à sfaible odeurPRODUIT NETTOYANT RECOMMANDÉ : Nettoyant pour revêtements de sol en boisdur et stratifiés BruceSOUS-COUCHE RECOMMANDÉE (installation de plancher flottant uniquement) :Quiet Comfort Qualité supérieure ou Quiet ComfortCOLLE À BOIS RECOMMANDÉE (installation de plancher flottant et encollage desjoints) : Adhésif EverSealMCADHESIVOS RECOMENDADOS: Adhesivo de revestimiento para piso ProConnect ,adhesivo de uretano Equalizer, Summit REMOVEDOR DE ADHESIVO RECOMENDADO: Alcoholes minerales con poco olorLIMPIADOR RECOMENDADO: Limpiador para pisos de madera dura o laminadosde BruceBASE DE PISO RECOMENDADA (Sistema de instalación flotante solamente): QuietComfort de primera calidad o Quiet ComfortPEGAMENTO PARA MADERA RECOMENDADO (Instalación flotante y encolado dejunta): Adhesivo EverSeal Note: All species of hand-scraped products (such as American Scrape, CenturyFarm, Legacy Manor, Artestian Hand Tooled & Rural Living) can be stapleddown with 20 gauge staples (1 minimum length). Birch, Hickory, Maple andPecan hand-scraped products can be stapled down using the recommendedfastening machines.Remarque : Toutes les espèces de produits grattées à la main (comme AmericanScrape, Century Farm, Legacy Manor, Artestian Hand Tooled et Rural Living)peuvent être agrafés à l’aide d’agrafes de calibre 20 (longueur minimum de 1po). Les produits grattés à la main en bouleau, hickory, érable et pacane peuventêtre agrafés en utilisant les agrafeuses recommandées.Nota: Todas las especies de productos raspados a mano (tales como los deAmerican Scrape, Century Farm, Legacy Manor, Artestian Hand Tooled & RuralLiving) se pueden fijar con grapas de calibre 20 (de 1 mínimo de largo). Losproductos raspados a mano de Birch, Hickory, Maple y Pecan se pueden graparutilizando las máquinas de fijación recomendadas.For Products wider than 5 : In addition to the use of mechanical fasteners,assisted glue applications should be used. The glue should be a premiumgrade urethane construction adhesive applied in a serpentine pattern to theback of each board. Then follow the recommended fastening pattern.Pour les produits ayant une largeur supérieure à 13 cm (5 po) : En plus del’utilisation d’agrafes mécaniques, l’application d’adhésif devrait être effectuée.La colle devrait être un adhésif de construction à base d’uréthane de qualitésupérieure appliquée en serpentin à l’endos de chaque planche. Poursuivezensuite la méthode de fixation recommandée.Para productos más anchos de 5 (13cm): Adicionalmente al uso de fijadoresmecánicos, se debe utilizar aplicaciones de pegamento como refuerzo. Elpegamento debe ser un adhesivo de construcción a base de uretano de primeracalidad y aplicarse en un patrón de serpentín a la parte posterior de cada tabla.Luego siga las recomendaciones del patrón de fijación.RECOMMENDED ADHESIVES: ProConnect Flooring Adhesive, EqualizerUrethane Adhesive, Summit RECOMMENDED ADHESIVE REMOVER: Low Odor mineral spiritsRECOMMENDED CLEANER: Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner orBruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor CleanerRECOMMENDED UNDERLAYMENT (Floating installation system only): QuietComfort Premium or Quiet ComfortRECOMMENDED WOOD GLUE (Floating installation and joint gluing):EverSeal AdhesiveDo not staple down products that exceed 6 in widthor Pecan, Maple, Northshore , or Hickory ProductsRECOMMENDED ADHESIVES: ProConnect Flooring Adhesive, EqualizerUrethane Adhesive, Summit RECOMMENDED ADHESIVE REMOVER: Low Odor mineral spiritsRECOMMENDED CLEANER: Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner orBruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor CleanerRECOMMENDED UNDERLAYMENT (Floating installation system only): QuietComfort Premium or Quiet ComfortRECOMMENDED WOOD GLUE (Floating installation and joint gluing):EverSeal AdhesiveDo not staple down products that exceed 6 in widthor Pecan, Maple, or Hickory Products Exterior grading should be complete with surface drainage, offering a minimum dropof 3 in 10 (7.6 cm in 3.05 m) to direct flow of water away from the structure. Allgutters and downspouts should be in place. Engineered flooring may be installed below-, on- or above-grade level. Do not installin full bathrooms. Crawl spaces must be a minimum of 18 (46 cm) from the ground to the undersideof the joists. A ground cover of 6-20 mil black polyethylene film is essential as avapor barrier with joints lapped 6 (15 cm) and sealed with moisture resistant tape.The crawl space should have perimeter venting equal to a minimum of 1.5% of thecrawl space square footage. These vents should be properly located to foster crossventilation (Figure 1). Where necessary, local regulations prevail. Permanent air conditioning and heating systems should be in place and operating.The installation site should have a consistent room temperature of 60-80 F (1627 C) and humidity of 35-55% for 14 days prior to and during installation and untiloccupied.I. GENERAL INFORMATIONOwner/Installer ResponsibilityBeautiful hardwood floors are a product of nature and therefore, not perfect. Our hardwood floors are manufactured inaccordance with accepted industry standards, which permit grading deficiencies not to exceed 5%. These grading deficienciesmay be of a manufacturing or natural type. When flooring is ordered, 5% must be added to the actual square footage needed forcutting and grading allowance (10% for diagonal installations). The owner/installer assumes all responsibility for final inspection of product quality. Inspection of all flooring should be doneprior to installation. Carefully examine flooring for color, finish and quality before installing it. If material is not acceptable, donot install it and contact the seller immediately. Prior to installation of any hardwood flooring product, the owner/installer must determine that the job-site environment andthe sub-surfaces involved meet or exceed all applicable standards. Recommendations of the construction and materialsindustries, as well as local codes, must be followed. These instructions recommend that the construction and subfloor beclean, dry, stiff, structurally sound and flat. The manufacturer declines any responsibility for job failure resulting from, orassociated with, subfloor and substrates or job-site environmental deficiencies. Prior to installation, the owner/installer has final inspection responsibility as to grade, manufacture and factory finish. Theinstaller must use reasonable selectivity and hold out or cut off pieces with deficiencies, whatever the cause. Should anindividual piece be doubtful as to grade, manufacture or factory finish, the installer should not use the piece. Use of stain, filler or putty stick for touch-up and appropriate products for correcting subfloor voids is accepted as part ofnormal installation procedures.2nd Floor(above ground level)Soil Line1st Floor(ground level)Basement(below ground level)Figure 1WARNING: EXISTING IN-PLACE RESILIENT FLOOR COVERING AND ASPHALTICADHESIVES. DO NOT SAND, DRY SWEEP, DRY SCRAPE, DRILL, SAW, BEADBLAST, ORMECHANICALLY CHIP OR PULVERIZE EXISTING RESILIENT FLOORING, BACKING, LININGFELT, ASPHALTIC “CUTBACK” ADHESIVE, OR OTHER ADHESIVE.These existing in-place products may contain asbestos fibers and/or crystalline silica.Avoid creating dust. Inhalation of such dust is a cancer and respiratory tract hazard.Smoking by individuals exposed to asbestos fibers greatly increases the risk of serious bodily harm.Unless positively certain that the existing in-place product is a non-asbestos-containing material, you mustpresume it contains asbestos. Regulations may require that the material be tested to determine asbestoscontent and may govern removal and disposal of material.See current edition of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) publication Recommended Work Practicesfor Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings for instructions on removing all resilient floor covering structures orcontact your retailer or AHF Products 1 866 243 2726.The floor covering or adhesive in this package does NOT contain asbestos.ATTENTION INSTALLERSCAUTION: WOOD DUSTSawing, sanding and machining wood products can produce wood dust. Airborne wood dustcan cause respiratory, eye and skin irritation. The International Agency for Research on Cancer(IARC) has classified wood dust as a nasal carcinogen in humans.Precautionary Measures: If power tools are used, they should be equipped with a dust collector. If high dustlevels are encountered, use an appropriate NIOSH-designated dust mask. Avoid dust contact with eye and skin.First Aid Measures in Case of Irritation: In case of irritation, flush eyes or skin with water for at least 15 minutes.If you have any technical or installation questions, or to request a Material Safety Data Sheet,please call 1 866 243 2726 or visit www.floorexpert.com, our technical website.Subfloor Conditions CLEAN – Subfloor must be free of wax, paint, oil, sealers, adhesives and other debris. LEVEL/FLAT – Within 3/16 in 10 (5 mm in 3 m) and/or 1/8 in 6 (3 mm in 2 m). Sand high areas or joints. If the floor isto be glued down, fill low areas with a latex additive cementitious leveling compound of 3,000-PSI minimum compressivestrength such as Armstrong S-194 Patch, Underlayment & Embossing Leveler with S-195 Underlayment Additive. Follow theinstructions of the leveling compound manufacturer, but make certain the leveling compounds are completely DRY beforebeginning installation. When mechanically fastening the floor down, flatten low spots with a maximum of 6 layers of 15#builders felt, plywood or shims (not leveling compounds). Leveling materials must provide a structurally sound subfloor thatdoes not affect the holding power of the fastener. DRY – Check and document moisture content of the subfloor using the appropriate moisture test. Concrete subfloors mustbe a minimum of 30 days old before testing begins. STRUCTURALLY SOUND – Nail or screw any areas that are loose or squeak. Wood panels should exhibit an adequatefastening pattern, glued/screwed or nailed as system requires, using an acceptable nailing pattern. Typical: 6 (15 cm) alongbearing edges and 12 (31 cm) along intermediate supports. Flatten edge swell as necessary. Replace any water-damaged,swollen or delaminated subflooring or underlayments. Avoid subfloors with excessive vertical movement. Optimum performance of hardwood floor covering products occurs whenthere is little horizontal or vertical movement of the subfloor. If the subfloor has excessive vertical movement (deflection)before installation of the flooring, it is likely it will do so after installation of the flooring is complete.MINNESOTA RESIDENTIAL FORMALDEHYDE REGULATION: IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTICE THESEBUILDING MATERIALS EMIT FORMALDEHYDE, EYE, NOSE, AND THROAT IRRITATION, HEADACHE, NAUSEA AND AVARIETY OF ASTHMA-LIKE SYMPTOMS, INCLUDING SHORTNESS OF BREATH, HAVE BEEN REPORTED AS A RESULT OFFORMALDEHYDE EXPOSURE. ELDERLY PERSONS AND YOUNG CHILDREN, AS WELL AS ANYONE WITH A HISTORY OFASTHMA, ALLERGIES, OR LUNG PROBLEMS, MAY BE AT GREATER RISK. RESEARCH IS CONTINUING ON THE POSSIBLELONG-TERM EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO FORMALDEHYDE. REDUCED VENTILATION MAY ALLOW FORMALDEHYDE ANDOTHER CONTAMINANTS TO ACCUMULATE IN THE INDOOR AIR. HIGH INDOOR TEMPERATURES AND HUMIDITY RAISEFORMALDEHYDE LEVELS. WHEN A HOME IS TO BE LOCATED IN AREAS SUBJECT TO EXTREME SUMMER TEMPERATURES,AN AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM CAN BE USED TO CONTROL INDOOR TEMPERATURE LEVELS. OTHER MEANS OFCONTROLLED MECHANICAL VENTILATION CAN BE USED TO REDUCE LEVELS OF FORMALDEHYDE AND OTHER INDOORAIR CONTAMINANTS. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF FORMALDEHYDE, CONSULTYOUR DOCTOR OR LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT.II. PREPARATIONStorage and Handling Handle and unload with care. Store in a dry place being sure to provide at least a four-inch air space under cartons which arestored upon “on-grade” concrete floors. Flooring should not be delivered until the building has been enclosed with windowsdoors are in place, and cement work, plastering and all other “wet” work is completed and dry. Although it is not necessary to acclimate engineered flooring it is best to store it in the environment in which it is expected toperform prior to installation. Check adhesive label for adhesive storage limitations.Subfloors with Radiant HeatJob-Site Conditions The building should be enclosed with all outside doors and windows in place. All concrete, masonry, framing members,drywall, paint and other “wet” work should be thoroughly dry. The wall coverings should be in place and the paintingcompleted, except for the final coat on the base molding. When possible, delay installation of base molding until flooringinstallation is complete. Basements and crawl spaces must be dry and well ventilated.1NOTE: Always make certain the product selected is recommended for this type application. The following products are notrecommended to be installed over radiant heat subfloors: Global Exotics System must be operational and heated for at least 7days prior to beginning the installation. Use an incremental control strategy that brings the floor through temperature changes gradually which may include anexternal thermostat. Turn off heat and let subfloor cool down to room temperature 3-4 hours prior to starting the job. BEFORE installation begins, ascertain that the heating system is designed and controlled for wood flooring and that the circuitdoes not include other floor covering types. Failure to do so may cause excessive heat damage and shrinkage. NOTE: Refer toradiant heat system manufacturer’s precautions for staple down installation. Beware of stapling through radiant tubing or mesh.For complete warranty information call 1 866 243 2726 or visit www.ahfproduct.com.

Plywood: Must be minimum CDX grade (exposure 1) and meet US Voluntary Product Standard PS1 performance standard orCanadian performance standard CAN/CSA 0325-0-92. The preferred thickness is 3/4 (19 mm) as a subfloor [minimum 5/8 (16 mm)] or 3/8 (9.5 mm) as underlayment. Oriented Strand Board (OSB): Conforming to US Voluntary Product Standard PS2 or Canadian performance standard CAN/CSA 0325-0-92 construction sheathing. Check underside of panel for codes. When used as a subfloor, the panels must betongue and groove and installed sealed side down. Minimum thickness to be 23/32 (18 mm) thick when used as a subflooror 3/8 (9.5 mm) as underlayment. Waferboard and Chipboard: Conforming to US Voluntary Product Standard PS2 or Canadian performance standardCAN/CSA 0325-0-92. Must be 3/4 (19 mm) thick when used as a subfloor and 3/8 (9.5 mm) thick when used as anunderlayment. Particleboard: Must be a minimum 40-lb. density, stamped underlayment grade and 3/4 (19 mm) thick. After installation, turn the heating system back on immediately. The finished floor surface must not exceed 85 F (29 C)throughout the life of the floor. Radiant heating systems normally create dry heat that can lower interior humidity levels. It may be necessary to add humiditywith humidifiers to maintain the recommended levels (35-55%) and prevent damage to the wood floor. The flooring should be end-glued over radiant heat to reduce longitudinal shrinkage. Apply a bead of the recommended woodglue to the groove end then insert the tongue. Wipe excess adhesive away immediately.Tools & Accessories Needed(All Installation Methods) Broom Tape measure Hammer Chalk line & chalk Hand saw or jamb saw Recommended hardwood flooring cleaner Electric power saw Eye protection Recommended wood glue Moisture Meter (wood, concrete or both) Transition and wall moldings NIOSH-designated dust maskSolid Wood Subfloors(All Installation Methods)(Add for Glue-Down Installations) Recommended adhesive and adhesiveremover 1/4 x 1/2 x 3/16 (6 mm x 13 mm x 8mm) V-Notch trowel (Figure 2) 3M Scotch-Blue 2080 tape Recommended wood glue for floorsexceeding 3-1/4 (9.5 cm) in width Armstrong VapArrest S-135 ProfessionalMoisture Retardant System on concrete (ifneeded). Use with urethane adhesive only. Minimum 3/4 (19 mm) thick with a maximum width of 6 (15 cm) installed at a 45 angle to the floor joists. Group 1 dense softwood (Pine, Larch, Douglas Fir, etc.) No. 2 common, kiln dried with all board ends bearing on joists. For glue down applications add 3/8 (9.5 mm) approved underlayment.Existing Wood Flooring(All Installation Methods) Existing engineered flooring must be well bonded/fastened. When gluing over existing wood flooring of any thickness, thefinishing materials must be abraded or removed to foster an adequate adhesive bond. When flooring is to be mechanicallyfastened, the existing engineered wood flooring must be a minimum of 3/8 (9.5 mm) thick installed over approved wood/wood composite underlayment that has been properly fastened. When installing over engineered flooring that is glued toconcrete, the minimum thickness of that flooring must be 1/2 (13 mm) to allow for the length of the fastener. Existing solid wood flooring that exceeds 6 (15 mm) in width must be covered with 3/8 (9.5 mm) approved underlaymentand fastened as required. Do not install over solid flooring attached directly to the concrete.Figure 2(Add for Mechanically Fastened/Staple-Down Installations) PowerNail 20FS & PowerNail 2000 Stanley Bostitch 2025K & Stanley Bostitch LHF 971251 Staples/fasteners (minimum) 20 gauge fasteners Compressor and hoseNylon/Plastic tapping block In-line regulatorRecommended wood glue for floors exceeding 3-1/4 (9.5 cm) in widthExisting Wood Flooring(All Installation Methods, see notes below)(Glue-Down Installations)(Add for Floating Installations) Recommended underlayment Pull bar Tapping block Recommended wood glueIII. SUBFLOOR / UNDERLAYMENT REQUIREMENTSDO NOT use Armstrong ProConnect Professional Hardwood Flooring Adhesive when installing over these surfaces. Use onlyArmstrong Equalizer Premium Urethane Adhesive or Summit All-In-One Adhesive Make certain the floor covering materials are well bonded to the subfloor/underlayment with full spread adhesive and are nomore than two layers thick, not to exceed 3/16 (5 mm). With approved wood/wood composite subfloors, if vinyl or tiles are loose, broken, or in poor condition, install a 3/8 (9.5mm) approved underlayment directly over the flooring materials. Clean the flooring materials as necessary to create a good adhesive bond . If a maintenance material is present on the floorcovering or a gloss is present, de-gloss with a flooring pad and a commercially available stripper, then rinse completely. Allowample drying time. (NOTE: Do not sand any resilient products. They may contain asbestos fibers, which may be harmful.) Cork floors must have all sealers and surface treatments removed before installation begins. Always check for adequateadhesive bond.Recommended Subfloor/Underlayment Surfaces(Glue Down and Floating Installations Only) Concrete Ceramic Tile, Terrazzo, Slate & Marble Acoustic cork(All Installation Methods) Wood subfloors Wood structural panels and underlayment Fully adhered existing wood floors Fully adhered vinyl sheet, resilient tile, cork flooring and linoleumConcrete(Glue Down and Floating Installations Only)(Mechanically Fastened/Staple-Down Installations)The flooring can be glued directly to concrete with a minimum compressive strength of 3000 PSI. Do not install over a concretesealer or painted concrete. If present, remove by grinding or sanding. Do not install over slick, heavily troweled or burnishedconcrete. Roughen the surface as necessary by sanding or grinding. Use an appropriate NIOSH-designated dust mask. Floatingfloors can be installed over any structurally sound concrete. Do not install over floors that exceed one layer, as the thickness of the flooring materials will prevent an adequate mechanicalbond. Make certain that the subflooring materials meet minimum requirements. Some tile products may be too brittle for staple penetration. Always test an area for breakage before proceeding.Concrete Moisture TestsIV. INSTALLING THE FLOORAll concrete subfloors should be tested, and results documented, formoisture content. Visual checks may not be reliable. Test several areas,especially near exterior walls and walls containing plumbing. Acceptable testmethods for subfloor moisture content include: Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter Meter: (Figure 3) Moisturereadings should not exceed 4.5 on the upper scale. (Figure 3 shows anunacceptable reading of over 4.5.) Polyfilm Test: Apply 3 x 3 (1 m x 1 m) pieces of polyethylene filmto the subfloor and leave in place for 24 hours. Assure all edges arecompletely sealed with water resistant tape. Darkened concrete orcondensation on film indicates presence of moisture and requiresFigure 3additional measurements with a Calcium Chloride or RH test.NOTE: The following tests are required in commercial applications.Either or both tests are acceptable. If both tests are conducted then both tests must pass. Calcium Chloride Test (ASTM F 1869): The maximum moisture transfer must not exceed 3 lbs./1000 ft.2 in 24 hrs. with this test. RH Levels in Concrete Using In-situ Probes (ASTM F 2170) should not exceed 75%.“DRY” CONCRETE, AS DEFINED BY THESE TESTS CAN BE WET AT OTHER TIMES OF THE YEAR. THESE TESTS DO NOTGUARANTEE A DRY SLAB. ALL NEW CONSTRUCTION CONCRETE SLABS SHOULD HAVE A MINIMUM OF 10 MIL POLY FILMMOISTURE BARRIER BETWEEN THE GROUND AND THE CONCRETE.General Installation Tips(Glue Down and Floating Installations Only)NOTE: When installing UNFINISHED engineered flooring, allow a minimumof 72 hours adhesive curing time before applying seals, stains and finishes tounfinished flooring. Test the moisture content of the wood in accordance withthe stain/finish manufacturer’s recommendations. Do not staple or mechanically fasten products that exceed 6 (13 cm) inwidth. Floor should be installed from several cartons at the same time to ensuregood color and shade mixture. When possible, preselect and set aside boards that blend best with allFigure 4horizontally mounted moldings used to assure a uniform final appearance.Preferred AlignmentInstall these boards adjoining the moldings. Be attentive to staggering the ends of the boards at least 4 -6 (10-15 cm) when possible, in adjacent rows (Figure 4). This will help ensure a more favorable overall appearance of the floor. When installing engineered products of uniform length, begin the rows with starter boards cut to various lengths. Avoidstaggering the rows uniformly to prevent stair-stepping. Boards cut from the opposite end of the row may be used for thenext starter boards. Always allow a minimum 1/4 (6 mm) expansion around all vertical obstructions. Allow 1/2 (13 mm) for floating floors.NOTE: (For Glue-Down Installation) When installing products wider than 3 1/4 (8 cm), apply a bead of recommended woodglue to all of the end grooves prior to installing into the adhesive. (For Staple Down Installation) When installing products widerthan 3 1/4 (8 cm) but not to exceed 5 (13 cm), apply a bead of recommended wood glue to all of the end grooves prior tostapling down.Moisture Retardant SystemsIf excessive moisture is present or anticipated, use Armstrong VapArrestTM S-135 Professional Moisture Retardant System,Armstrong Summit adhesive or inexpensive sheet vinyl to reduce vapor intrusion.NOTE: DO NOT use Armstrong ProconnectTM Professional Hardwood Flooring Adhesive when using Armstrong VapArrest S-135Professional Moisture Retardant System or sheet vinyl as a moisture retardant. Use only Armstrong EqualizerTM. Armstrong VapArrest S-135: Apply the materials after all subfloor preparation is complete. Follow the instructions on theVapArrest S-135 label. Allow 8-24 hours curing time before application of the hardwood flooring. Armstrong Summit adhesive: Apply the adhesive using the Summit trowel that is included in every pail. Flooring can beinstalled immediately after applying the adhesive. Sheet vinyl: An inexpensive sheet vinyl or “slip-sheet” (felt-backed with vinyl wear layer) may be installed. Use a premiumgrade, alkali resistant adhesive and a full spread application system to properly bond the vinyl to the subfloor. Follow thesheet vinyl manufacturer’s instructions for installation procedures. A bond test may be required as an adhesion test. Installseveral small areas (3 x 3’) (1 m x 1 m) and allow the vinyl to set for 72 hours. Remove the vinyl. If the backing remainsattached to the concrete, the subfloor should be acceptable for sheet vinyl installation. Install the sheet vinyl and allow theadhesive to cure for 24 hours prior to beginning installation. Degloss as necessary to create an adequate adhesive bond.Always check for adequate adhesive bond.STEP 1: Doorway and Wall Preparation(All Installation Methods)Undercut door casings and jambs. Remove any existing base, shoe moldingor doorway thresholds. These items can be replaced after installation. All doorcasings and jambs should be undercut to avoid difficult scribe cuts (Figure 5).STEP 2: Establish a Starting Point(All Installation Methods) Installation parallel to the longest wall is recommended for best visualeffects, however, the floor should be installed perpendicular to the flooringjoists unless the subfloor has been reinforced to reduce subfloor sagging. When possible, always begin the layout or installation from the straightestwall, generally an outside wall. In at least two places, at least 18 (46 cm) from the corner, measure outequal distance from the starting wall (Figure 6) and snap a chalk line.The measurement must be the sum of the width of the flooring plus anadditional 3/8 (9.5 mm) to allow for 1/4 (6 mm) expansion space and thewidth of the tongue. Allow 1/2 (13 mm) expansion when installing floatingfloors.Acoustic Concrete(Glue Down and Floating Installations Only)Acoustic concrete normally contains large quantities of gypsum that may inhibit the adhesive’s capability to properly bond.Acoustic concrete must be primed with the concrete manufacturer’s recommended primer/surface hardener. Test the concreteby scraping the surface with a nail or other shar

EverSeal Adhesive RECOMMENDED ADHESIVES: ProConnect Flooring Adhesive, Equalizer Urethane Adhesive, Summit MC RECOMMENDED ADHESIVE REMOVER: Low Odor mineral spirits RECOMMENDED CLEANER: Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner or Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner RECOMMENDED UNDERLAYMENT (Floating installation system only): Quiet